Teen Trump supporter with machete at Florida polling station gets bail

Malcolm Harvey
| First Coast News

DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — The 18-year-old was arrested on Tuesday after police said he showed up at a polling place in Neptune Beach with a machete to “antagonize” people on the “opposing political side,” was given a $55,006 bond at his first court appearance Wednesday.

Caleb James Williams faces charges of aggravated assault and improper display of a firearm or dangerous weapon.

Neptune Beach Police Chief Michael Key Jr. said at a news conference Tuesday after Williams’ arrest that the teenager was wielding a machete, targeting a 71-year-old woman and a 54-year-old woman. Key added that Williams was part of a group of eight young men, aged between 16 and 17, who approached people waving signs on the side of the A1A state road and the confrontation “escalated”.

The Duval County Democratic Party, aka the Duval Dems, released a statement Tuesday saying the group of youths were carrying Trump flags and the victims were holding Harris-Walz signs. Their full statement is at the end of this story.*

Key said the other teenagers involved have not been criminally charged at this time, but an investigation into the incident, which took place at the Beaches Branch Library, is ongoing.

As for Williams, in his Wednesday court appearance, Judge Mose Floyd said that if the teenager is released on bail, he will be “fitted with a GPS monitor so he doesn’t go within a thousand yards of a polling station… unless it is for the specific purpose of your vote. Floyd then set Williams’ bond on count one (the aggravated assault charge) at $50,003 and bond on count two (the improper display of a firearm or dangerous weapon charge) at $5,003.

Williams is due back in Duval County court on Nov. 20.

Statement Florida for All

Florida For All Executive Director Angie Nixon released the following statement about the incident Wednesday:

“Voters are the heroes in this story – they stand up to fear and choose to make their voices heard. These scare tactics will not work. Our community and our volunteers will continue to band together to defend the safety and integrity of our polling sites. We honor and stand with every voter who comes forward in the face of intimidation tactics, determined to make their voices heard and build a Florida where everyone has the freedom to thrive.

This incident is more than a random outage. It is part of a wider pattern of highly supportive behavior by the leadership that encourages dangerous, divisive actions. Leaders who promote or condone such scare tactics risk the safety of our communities and encourage others to act recklessly, leaving all Floridians at risk.

With this clear example of intimidation, we are calling on every eligible voter in Duval County and the state to use your power at the polls this year. These scare tactics will not keep us away from the polls. Join us, support your community and let’s show solidarity on election day. Together, we will show that the voters of Florida are determined and united, and we will not back down in the face of fear. Let’s get out the vote and take action for our freedoms, our families and our future.”

Statement by Senator Tracie Davis

Senator Tracie Davis also released a statement about the incident on Wednesday, which can be read below:

“I am truly disturbed by the violent incident that occurred this week at the Beaches Branch library early voting location. Voter intimidation has no place in our democracy. Actually – it is illegal and I applaud the Neptune Beach Police for their quick response.

We must not allow politicians who seek to divide us to scare us into not voting. Your vote is your voice – don’t let anyone silence you. Those who came before us fought bravely for our freedom to vote. Let’s honor their courage by continuing to make our voices heard during early voting and on Election Day. We will not let fear win.

If you or someone you know is being intimidated or threatened at the polls, please contact your local law enforcement and report it at: 1-833-VOTE-FLA.”

*Full statement from Duval Dems:

“We are deeply concerned about a violent incident today at the Beaches Library where a group of young people carrying Trump flags, with one person armed with a machete, confronted peaceful Harris-Walz signs exercising their First Amendment rights. This disturbing act. of intimidation was met with a quick response from the Neptune Beach Police Department, who arrived within minutes to assess and defuse the situation.

“We commend the Neptune Beach Police for their prompt response, which helped keep members of our community safe. Following a thorough investigation, the person wielding the machete was arrested and is now facing felony charges. We are grateful for your vigilance and dedication to the law. police officers who worked to maintain peace and respond to this incident.

“Violence and intimidation have no place in our democratic process. The Duval County Democratic Party stands with those trying to express their opinions peacefully and without fear of reprisal. We urge all citizens to continue to engage in civic activities in a respectful and lawful manner.

“We remain determined and focused on our mission to win this election for Vice President Kamala Harris and encourage everyone to vote.”